Convenience is the major factor why iMessage is the preferred go-to messaging platform for Apple users. You can use it to send messages to other Apple users over Wi-Fi or cellular data without worrying about carrier charges. However, there can be times when the same does not work for you. Perhaps they do not have an active internet connection or an Apple device, so your messages aren’t being delivered to them. In such cases, you might want to turn off iMessage for that one person. But here comes the question – can you do so, and if yes, how? Let’s find out.
How to Turn off iMessage for One Person
Sadly, it is not possible to turn off iMessage for just a particular contact while keeping it enabled for other users. Either you can keep it turned on or turn it off completely. Once disabled, the setting applies to every contact on the device and then you can enable it when you wish to send an iMessage. So, here’s what you can do:
1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone and tap on Messages.
2. Toggle off iMessage.
3. Now send a message to the targeted contact. It will be sent as a normal text.
Once done, you can enable iMessage again and repeat the same process whenever required.
Also Read: How to See the First Message on iMessage Without Scrolling
Other Workarounds to Turn off iMessage for One Contact
Yes, we understand it isn’t a very feasible way. So, if you do not want to manually turn off and again turn on iMessage manually every time, here are some workarounds that can help you.
Method 1: Use Send as SMS
If you do not want to send an iMessage, but rather a normal SMS to a particular individual, enable the Send as SMS option.
1. Open the Settings app, tap Messages, and turn the toggle on for Send as SMS.
2. Turn off the cellular network and Wi-Fi on your iPhone and send a message to the targeted contact.
3. Tap on the exclamation sign next to the failed message and select Send as Text Message.
Method 2: Hide Alerts
You can mute specific contacts as well so that even if you receive messages from them as iMessage, you do not get notified about it.
1. Open iMessage and select the contact you wish to mute.
2. Tap on their profile and turn the toggle on for Hide Alerts.
Also Read: What Does Kept an Audio Message from You Mean on iMessage?
Method 3: Block User
Another option is to block the user and this way you would not receive any messages or calls from them.
1. Open iMessage and navigate to the targeted contact’s profile.
2. Select info, swipe down and select Block this caller.
Note: You can also go to contacts and tap the i icon next to the selected contact to get info.
3. Select Block Contact to confirm.
Method 4: Delete Contact and Filter Unknown Senders
Now if you do not want to block the contact, you can just delete it from your phone.. Once deleted, you need to eenable the Filter Unknown Senders option to stop receiving messages from the deleted contact.
1. Open the Settings app and tap on Messages.
2. Tap on Unknown & Spam under MESSAGE FILTERING.
3. Turn the toggle on for Filter Unknown Senders.
Once enabled, messages received from any number whose number is not saved to your Contacts will be filtered into the Unknown Senders folder. You will receive notifications for them but the texts won’t appear in the main feed.
Also Read: How to Use iMessage on Android using Beeper and AirMessage without Mac
Method 5: Set up Contact Without Their Email Address
While creating the person’s contact, you can leave their email address information empty so that you will not receive iMessage and just normal text messages. If you have already set up their email, follow the steps to remove it:
1. Open the Contacts app and navigate to the targeted contact’s profile.
2. Tap on Edit and then on the minus icon next to their email address.
3. Select Delete and tap on Done at the top-right corner.
What Happens When You Turn off iMessage?
You will stop receiving messages sent to you by others via iMessage and will also not be able to use any features provided by the platform. However, you will receive normal cellular texts and SMS.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Can You Turn Off iMessage for One Person?
Ans. No, you cannot specifically disable iMessage for one person.
Q2. Why would someone turn off iMessage for one person?
Ans: There can be several reasons to turn off iMessage for only one person. Users might be receiving several messages they want to ignore. They may also want to avoid the person and do not want to engage in a conversation.
Q3. Why did my boyfriend turn off iMessage?
Ans: Your boyfriend might be busy and does not want to get disturbed. Furthermore, their network might also be disconnected, causing iMessage to not work. The best way to find out is to ask them directly.
Q4. If I turn off iMessage will I still receive messages?
Ans: No, if you turn off iMessage you will not receive messages from the platform. However, this will not entirely disable all forms of messages. You will still receive normal SMS and cellular texts.
Also Read: How to Play Reversi on iMessage: Strategic Fun at Your Fingertips
We hope our guide helped you turn off iMessage for one person If you have any queries or suggestions for us, drop them in the comments box. Stay tuned to TechCult for more tips and tricks.